I understand that Sean Smith wasn't a starter... But why didn't they use him in a nickel role? Benny Sapp is more like a 4th corner, and the Steelers exploited that by putting Ward in the slot to match him up on Sapp. Why didn't they put Sean Smith in the nickel? I know if I was the coach I wouldn't sit around and watch Benny Sapp get beat continuously when I have a serviceable, above average corner sitting on the bench in Sean Smith. I'm happy Sean's back on Saturday, but I hope that doesn't mean Jason Allen and his 3 interceptions doesn't sit on the bench either. I think Jason is better suited for the nickel anyways, and Smith with his size should be a starter. I want to see Smith PRESSING. He's big. He should use it. His other issues were mostly mental aspects of the game, and should've corrected them with all the studying and extra practice on the bench. I hope they used his time on the bench wisely to groom him into a better player. Pretty much my take is this. Get Sapp out of the nickel. If Smith or Allen is the starter, the other needs to be the nickel, because Sapp just isn't cutting it for me.
Nickelback and cornerback are two different positions, the biggest being the amount of space available to opposing WRs and the type of WRs that you're typically going to face. Imagine Sean Smith trying to cover Davonne Bess, he'd have no chance. Smith is much better suited outside, and like it or not, Bennie Sapp is our best option at the nickel. Vontae or J Allen are possible fits, but I doubt the coaching staff will want to go that route. I get your point though, Sapp has been a major dissapointment, hopefully we'll be able to upgrade him. And I'd love to know how healthy Will Allen's knee is right about now.
Two words: RUN FORCE There is a reason why the defense has the availability of nickel and dime. Nickel they may still run. Dime, they ain't running.
good point's..I do think Jason Allen's skillset might be able to play the slot position, his body would be different then the norm, but his quicks and change of direction for that size could be a real advantage, plus, he should press that slot with his physicality... I just worry about Sean smith outside, he has not shown me the change of directions skillset to follow receivers horizontally. But, Iam ready to embrace the change and get Vontae, Jason, and Sean on the field together....really nice measurable as a threesome to cover ground... What I do like is this whole Sean smith covering the tight end thing..not sure how that disrupts our defensive scheme, but he's been doing it well, and I know I trust him a lot more there.
As bad as the secondary was at times last season we really miss Nate Jones this year. Benny Sapp is a turd.
You put your best players on the field. IMO, as far as pass coverage, that is Davis, Smith, and J Allen. Anyone care to debate on Sapp's behalf?
Sure, I'll stick up for Benny Sapp. I think he had a bad game vs the Steelers, I also think he was in good position to make some plays which does speak to his talent, Sapp has to finish the play off. Suspect that Evan Oglesby is here as a message to Sapp along with filling in for Reshad Jones on ST, if Oglesby shines on ST Sapp will make those plays or he watch Oglesby make them.
In all due respect, I have not seen Sapp doing much of anything positive since the trade. I wish I was wrong.
